Lawsuit: Poorly maintained PG&E transmission tower started Camp Fire

Ashes and debris are all that remain where houses once stood in Paradise (Butte County). Survivors are suing PG&E, whose equipment they blame for sparking the fire.

A group of Camp Fire survivors claim in a new lawsuit against Pacific Gas and Electric Co. to have pinned down how the deadly fire started, blaming the ignition of the blaze on a specific part of one of the utility’s transmission towers in Butte County.

The suit filed Thursday in San Francisco Superior Court says the unprecedented fire began last month east of Paradise because of a poorly maintained “jumper” extension, which leads wires from one side of a transmission tower to another.

As intense winds blew through the area Nov. 8, an uninsulated jumper cable made contact with the PG&E tower in question, sending “blazing hot molten materials” into dry vegetation and sparking what became California’s deadliest and most destructive wildfire, according to the lawsuit.

Attorneys place blame directly on “PG&E’s failure to properly inspect and maintain the tower,” according to the lawsuit, which was filed on behalf of 34 people who said they lost homes or property in the fire.

From the Wine Country Fires to the Camp Fire, California has had a run of almost unimaginable damage to the already tight North Bay housing markets, let alone firestorms from the previous three years. KTVU's Tom Vacar reports.
Media: KTVU

The lawsuit does not say why the jumper made contact with the tower, but NBC Bay Area reported that authorities are looking at a steel hook supporting the extension, citing sources familiar with the investigation.

“PG&E’s entire system is old and decrepit, and instead of inspecting and maintaining it in a prudent fashion, they simply let it run until it fails and then fix it,” said Mike Danko, one of the attorneys involved in the suit. “Most of the time, you get away with that. ... But you don’t get away with it in the situation that we have with the drought and the dry conditions.”

Photo: Corey, Luzaich, De Ghetaldi & Riddle LLP

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A photo published in the complaint of a lawsuit shows the Concow origin site after Cal Fire had removed the distribution pole (marked by the red cone) near where the ignition occurred. The lawsuit alleges the

A photo published in the complaint of a lawsuit shows the Concow origin site after Cal Fire had removed the distribution pole (marked by the red cone) near where the ignition occurred. The lawsuit alleges the fire was triggered when a charged power line fell to the ground.

Photo: Lf, Courtesy Corey, Luzaich, De Ghetaldi & Riddle LLP

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A photograph published in a lawsuit shows the extremely rugged terrain of the PGE Caribou-Palermo circuit taken from the origin site of the Camp Fire looking to the northeast.

Photo: Corey, Luzaich, De Ghetaldi & Riddle LLP

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A photo published in a lawsuit shows the damaged tower at the origin site of the Camp Fire as it was being inspected for the first time by engineers after Cal Fire released the crime scene to representatives ofA photo published in a lawsuit shows the damaged tower at the origin site of the Camp Fire as it was being inspected for the first time by engineers after Cal Fire released the crime scene to representatives of affected parties on November 18, 2018, when pieces of insulators and other debris still littered the ground under the tower. The red arrows point to ends of wires after Cal Fire removed the sections that failed and took them into custody. The orange arrows point to where the jumper extension was attached to the tower before Cal Fire removed it and took it into custody when inspecting the crime scene.

Photo: Scott Strazzante / The Chronicle

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As PG&E crews work behind it, a burned out car sits in Bille Road after Camp Fire in Paradise, Calif. on Friday, November 9, 2018.

Photo: Jessica Christian / The Chronicle

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Charred cars and power lines sits along Pearson Road in Paradise, Calif. Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2018 after the Camp Fire ripped through the entire town.

Photo: Gabrielle Lurie / The Chronicle

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Police officers investigate downed wires on Pearson Road after the Camp Fire ravaged the town of Paradise, California, on Friday, Nov. 9, 2018.

Photo: Gabrielle Lurie / The Chronicle

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PG&E watch as trees are marked for cutting after the Camp Fire tore through the town of Paradise, California, on Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2018.

Photo: Scott Strazzante / The Chronicle 2018

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A PG&E worker runs while dealing with downed power lines during Camp Fire in Paradise, Calif.. on Thursday, November 8, 2018.

Photo: Gabrielle Lurie / The Chronicle

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A downed telephone pole off of Elliott Road after the Camp Fire tore through the town of Paradise, California, on Friday, Nov. 9, 2018.

Photo: Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle

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An incinerated vehicle is seen abadoned in the middle of Pearson Road after the Camp Fire ravaged the town of Paradise, California, on Friday, Nov. 9, 2018.

Photo: Gabrielle Lurie, The Chronicle

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Evacuee Suzanne Kaksonen nuzzles her cockatoo Buddy after sleeping in a tent a week after fleeing Paradise where the Camp Fire destroyed her home in Chico, California, on Thursday, Nov. 15, 2018.She stayed in aEvacuee Suzanne Kaksonen nuzzles her cockatoo Buddy after sleeping in a tent a week after fleeing Paradise where the Camp Fire destroyed her home in Chico, California, on Thursday, Nov. 15, 2018.She stayed in a tent near the parking lot at Walmart along with many others as it acted as a makeshift evacuation site.

Photo: Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle

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Sheriff's deputies yell to drivers to evacuate the area off of Pentz Road during the Camp Fire in Paradise, California, on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018.

Photo: Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle

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A Hotshot firefighter crew watches carefully as the Camp Fire burns off of Pentz Road in Paradise, California, on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018.

Photo: Scott Strazzante/The Chronicle

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The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints burns during Camp Fire in Paradise, Calif.. on Thursday, November 8, 2018.

Photo: Scott Strazzante/The Chronicle

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A PG&E worker runs while dealing with downed power lines during Camp Fire in Paradise, Calif.. on Thursday, November 8, 2018.

Photo: Gabrielle Lurie/Staff

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Firefighters get ready for the day as they have a meeting on Skyway after the Camp Fire tore through Paradise, Calif. on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018.

Photo: Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle

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A group of hotshots watch as the Camp Fire burns off of Pentz Road in Paradise, California, on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018.

Photo: Scott Strazzante/The Chronicle

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during Camp Fire in Butte County, Calif.. on Thursday, November 8, 2018.

Photo: Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle

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Cars escape the Camp Fire as they drive south on Pentz Road in Paradise, California, on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018.

Photo: Gabrielle Lurie/Staff

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Sheriff Brad Hellam checks out a property near Pearson Road after the Camp Fire tore through Paradise, Calif. on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018.

Photo: Gabrielle Lurie, The Chronicle

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Evacuees Gary Vail embraces wife Janice Vail as they sit in their car after sleeping there and after escaping their home from the Camp Fire at a makeshift evacuation site at Walmart in Chico, California, onEvacuees Gary Vail embraces wife Janice Vail as they sit in their car after sleeping there and after escaping their home from the Camp Fire at a makeshift evacuation site at Walmart in Chico, California, on Thursday, Nov. 15, 2018.

Photo: Gabrielle Lurie, The Chronicle

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Evacuee Ron Irick sits in a friends car after sleeping there with his newly rescued dog Jojo after escaping his home in Magalia from the Camp Fire at a makeshift evacuation site at Walmart in Chico, California,Evacuee Ron Irick sits in a friends car after sleeping there with his newly rescued dog Jojo after escaping his home in Magalia from the Camp Fire at a makeshift evacuation site at Walmart in Chico, California, on Thursday, Nov. 15, 2018.

Photo: Gabrielle Lurie, The Chronicle

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People sort through donated clothing at a makeshift evacuation center in Chico, California, on Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2018.

Photo: Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle

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Hotshot firefighter works to stave off the Camp Fire as it burns off of Pentz Road in Paradise, California, on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018.

Photo: Scott Strazzante/The Chronicle

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in aftermath of Camp Fire in Paradise, Calif. on Tuesday, November 13, 2018.

Photo: Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle

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Sherrif's look for fatalities following the Camp Fire in Paradise, California, on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018.

Photo: Scott Strazzante/The Chronicle

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in aftermath of Camp Fire in Paradise, Calif. on Monday, November 12, 2018.

Photo: Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle

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Safeway shopping carts are seen destroyed off of Clark Road after the Camp Fire tore through the town of Paradise, California, on Friday, Nov. 9, 2018.

Photo: Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle

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A firefighter works to save a house off of Pentz Road during the Camp Fire in Paradise, California, on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018.

Photo: Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle

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in Paradise, California, on Friday, Nov. 9, 2018.

Photo: Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle

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in Paradise, California, on Friday, Nov. 9, 2018.

Photo: Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle

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Police officers check out abandoned cars on Pearson Road after the Camp Fire ravaged the town of Paradise, California, on Friday, Nov. 9, 2018.

Photo: Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle

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A half melted statue of Jesus is seen at Troy Miller's property after the Camp Fire tore through the area on Concow Road in Concow, California, on Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2018.

Photo: Scott Strazzante/The Chronicle

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in aftermath of Camp Fire in Paradise, Calif. on Monday, November 12, 2018.

Photo: Scott Strazzante/The Chronicle

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A singed portrait of Elvis Presley in the Rocky Lane Mobile Home Park in aftermath of Camp Fire in Paradise, Calif. on Monday, November 12, 2018.

Photo: Scott Strazzante/The Chronicle

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in aftermath of Camp Fire in Paradise, Calif. on Monday, November 12, 2018.

Photo: Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle

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Troy Miller who survived the Camp Fire in what he called a "miraculous act of God" recounts his experience of making it through the fire on Concow Road in Concow, California, on Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2018.

Photo: Jessica Christian/The Chronicle

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Greg Woodcox poses for a portrait with his dogs, Romey and Jules, after recounting his harrowing escape from Edgewood Lane from the Camp Fire in Paradise, Calif. while standing near his Jeep watching the fire

Greg Woodcox poses for a portrait with his dogs, Romey and Jules, after recounting his harrowing escape from Edgewood Lane from the Camp Fire in Paradise, Calif. while standing near his Jeep watching the fire from Chico Airport in Chico, Calif. Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018

Photo: Jessica Christian/The Chronicle

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Members of the San Francisco Fire Department gather together to check out an area map in Paradise, Calif. Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018 before surveying areas where Camp Fire ripped through the town of Paradise, Calif.

Photo: Scott Strazzante/The Chronicle

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in aftermath of Camp Fire in Paradise, Calif. on Monday, November 12, 2018.

Photo: Scott Strazzante/The Chronicle

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Alameda County Sheriff's Dept. Sgt. Howard Baron looks in a burned vehicle while searching for fire victims in the Rocky Lane Mobile Home Park in aftermath of Camp Fire in Paradise, Calif. on Monday, November

Alameda County Sheriff's Dept. Sgt. Howard Baron looks in a burned vehicle while searching for fire victims in the Rocky Lane Mobile Home Park in aftermath of Camp Fire in Paradise, Calif. on Monday, November 12, 2018.

Photo: Jessica Christian/The Chronicle

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A water meter is seen melted outside of a home that once stood on Billie Road after the Camp Fire devastated the entire town of Paradise, Calif. Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018.

Photo: Jessica Christian/The Chronicle

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Animal volunteer evacuator Tamara Houston, left, comforts Cathy Fallon outside Fallon's home Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018. Fallon survived the Camp Fire while bunkering down in her home on Edgewood Lane after the

Animal volunteer evacuator Tamara Houston, left, comforts Cathy Fallon outside Fallon's home Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018. Fallon survived the Camp Fire while bunkering down in her home on Edgewood Lane after the Camp Fire ripped through the town of Paradise, Calif.

Photo: Jessica Christian/The Chronicle

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A horse is seen badly burned with chunks of its mane missing after being left behind when the Camp Fire ripped through Paradise, Calif. Maple Leaf Lane Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018. A group of local volunteers soon

A horse is seen badly burned with chunks of its mane missing after being left behind when the Camp Fire ripped through Paradise, Calif. Maple Leaf Lane Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018. A group of local volunteers soon came to rescue it and seven others.

Photo: Jessica Christian/The Chronicle

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Brad Weldon checks on his mother, Norma Weldon, 90, as they stay inside their home after the Camp Fire devastated the entire town of Paradise, Calif. Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018. Weldon stayed in his home with his

Brad Weldon checks on his mother, Norma Weldon, 90, as they stay inside their home after the Camp Fire devastated the entire town of Paradise, Calif. Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018. Weldon stayed in his home with his 90-year-old mother, Norma Weldon, and roommate, Mic McCrary, as the fire overtook their entire neighborhood while leaving his home untouched.

Brad Weldon carries water dropped off by passerbys back to his home, through his neighborhood that was destroyed after the Camp Fire devastated the entire town of Paradise, Calif. Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018.

Brad Weldon carries water dropped off by passerbys back to his home, through his neighborhood that was destroyed after the Camp Fire devastated the entire town of Paradise, Calif. Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018. Weldon stayed in his home with his 90-year-old mother, Norma Weldon, and roommate, Mic McCrary, as the fire overtook their entire neighborhood while leaving his home untouched.

Evacuee Jonathan Taylor stands on the road to take photos of the Camp Fire in Paradise, California, on Friday, Nov. 9, 2018. His house and family business are in Paradise and he is concerned they will be gone

Evacuee Jonathan Taylor stands on the road to take photos of the Camp Fire in Paradise, California, on Friday, Nov. 9, 2018. His house and family business are in Paradise and he is concerned they will be gone when he goes back home.

Photo: Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle

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in Paradise, California, on Friday, Nov. 9, 2018.

Photo: Scott Strazzante/The Chronicle

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during Camp Fire in Butte County, Calif.. on Thursday, November 8, 2018.

Photo: Scott Strazzante/The Chronicle

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during Camp Fire in Butte County, Calif.. on Thursday, November 8, 2018.

Photo: Scott Strazzante/The Chronicle

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during Camp Fire in Butte County, Calif.. on Thursday, November 8, 2018.

during Camp Fire in Butte County, Calif.. on Thursday, November 8, 2018.

Photo: Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle

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A destroyed business is seen off of Skyway after the Camp Fire tore through the town of Paradise, California, on Friday, Nov. 9, 2018.

Photo: Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle

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A destroyed business is seen off of Skyway after the Camp Fire tore through the town of Paradise, California, on Friday, Nov. 9, 2018.

Photo: Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle

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A destroyed antique shop is seen off of Skyway after the Camp Fire tore through the town of Paradise, California, on Friday, Nov. 9, 2018.

Photo: Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle

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A house burns off of Pentz Road during the Camp Fire in Paradise, California, on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018.

Photo: Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle

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Firefighters try to save a house during the Camp Fire in Paradise, California, on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018.

Photo: Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle

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Trees fly in the wind as the Camp Fire burns through Paradise, California, on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018.

PG&E did not comment on the claims in the suit, instead echoing its previous comments that the safety of the customers and communities it serves are its “highest priority.”

“We are aware of lawsuits regarding the Camp Fire,” spokeswoman Mayra Tostado said in an email. “Right now, our focus is on assessing infrastructure, safely restoring power where possible, and helping our customers recover and rebuild.”

Tostado also stressed that the Camp Fire’s cause is still under investigation.

But speculation has centered around PG&E since the early days of the fire, after the utility told regulators its high-voltage Caribou-Palermo transmission line malfunctioned shortly before the first flames were reported in the area where the blaze reportedly began.

Thursday’s lawsuit includes pictures of the transmission line running through rugged, forested terrain. Five towers on the line near the Camp Fire origin point collapsed because of a winter storm in 2012, the lawsuit notes. The towers were replaced with temporary wooden poles in 2013, and steel towers were not installed until 2016, the suit says.

Fire officials allowed “representatives of affected parties” to access the Camp Fire origin site Nov. 18, when “pieces of insulators and other debris still littered the ground” under the tower in question, according to the lawsuit.

Authorities had removed failed wire sections and the jumper extension, the lawsuit says. A spokesman for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, or Cal Fire, declined to comment.

PG&E has also reported another part of its equipment malfunctioned shortly after the fire began, a revelation that has come under scrutiny as Cal Fire investigates a possible second start to the Camp Fire.

Thursday’s lawsuit includes a photo of what it describes as the location of that second outage. The photo appears to show a burned tree lying in front of an orange cone where lawyers say a distribution pole later removed by Cal Fire once stood.

“This outage was caused by the failure of a distribution line, and that failure ignited another blaze that was soon engulfed by and helped fuel the Camp Fire,” the suit says.

PG&E has endured a turbulent ride on Wall Street as its legal and regulatory challenges continue to mount since the Camp Fire broke out. Shares of the utility’s parent company, PG&E Corp., closed Friday at $25.79, nearly half their opening price the day the fire started.

Camp Fire survivors have filed multiple suits against the energy company in San Francisco and Butte County courts, and a federal judge overseeing PG&E’s probation because of the 2010 San Bruno pipeline blast has opened a new, wildfire-related line of inquiry.

At the same time, the California Public Utilities Commission has said it wants to expand an investigation into PG&E’s safety culture, originally born out of the San Bruno fallout, to include wildfires.

The utility also faces the prospect that its equipment may be found responsible for starting last year’s Tubbs Fire, the most destructive of the devastating 2017 Wine Country wildfires. The cause of that fire is still under investigation, but investigators have said PG&E equipment started 17 other fires that burned through Northern California last year.

Dario de Ghetaldi, another attorney representing plaintiffs in the suit filed Thursday, said the cause of the Camp Fire is distinctly clearer than the Tubbs Fire, even one month after this year’s blaze broke out. He noted the “tower out on an exposed ridge” at the origin point, along with the equipment taken by Cal Fire and the regulatory reports from PG&E.

“There’s not a lot of other possibilities,” he said. “I don’t have any doubt.”